James Thomas Perano was born June 6, 1921 in New York City, New York the youngest son of Vincenzo Piraino and Geroloma Ignizlo Piraino. James graduated high school in 1939 and enlisted in the USAF in 1941. After servicing 30 years active duty, Jim retired November 30, 1972 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Chief Master Sergeant Perano served in the European Theater during WWII, with the 305^th Bomb Group and also in the Pacific with the 19^th Bomb Group in Guam. CMSgt also flew as a flight engineer during the Berlin airlift, served in the Korean conflict in Japan and the Vietnam conflict in Thailand. CMSgt wore many hats while serving his country and received many citations and awards.

CMSgt Perano married Dora Ione McDuffey at Saint James Catholic Church, Dallas, Texas, September 1950. They were the proud parents of five children.

James Ray Perano and his wife Linda, Paso Robles, CA. Richard Thomas Perano, deceased. Patricia Ann Perano, Pensacola, FL. Alan Michael Perano and his wife Mary Cortez Outz Perano, Edgefield, SC. Mark Andrew Perano, Pensacola, FL. And 8 Grandchildren.

The Funeral Mass will be held at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church Saturday June 2^nd, 2012 at 10am in Mary Esther, FL. Interment will follow with full Military Honors at Beal Memorial Cemetery, Fort Walton Beach, FL. Father Nelson Toledo will officiate.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com